Grass to grace: Imalianboy’s EP journey is the sound of a hustler’s heartbeat

Benson Michael

In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, where rhythm meets resilience, a new voice is rising bold, driven, and unmistakably authentic. That voice belongs to Imalianboy, born Salako Wasiu Abiola in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and now rooted in Lagos, the epicenter of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

His journey, like many of the genre’s icons, began in the streets but not with fame in mind. At just ten years old, Imalianboy discovered music as a lifeline and an outlet. Freestyles and rap battles with peers were more than pastime they were his early stage, his therapy, and eventually, his calling.

“I’ve always believed in the power of positivity,” he says. “Music gave me a way to express it.”

That optimism now fuels his artistry, with music serving not just as entertainment, but as a tool for inspiration, healing, and storytelling. His lyrics are drawn from lived experience, from the streets of Abeokuta to the relentless grind of Lagos, always reflecting a voice that’s real, raw, and rooted in hope.

Imalianboy’s soon-to-be-released single, titled “Ona Ara” (Yoruba for “Miraculous Way”), is a testament to that journey. The song blends soulful melodies with Afrobeat’s signature bounce to create a soundscape that is both spiritual and streetwise. It’s not just a song, it’s a declaration of survival, of purpose, and of belief in one’s own path, no matter how uncertain.

But “Ona Ara” is only the beginning. The single sets the stage for his debut EP, “Grass to Grace,” a body of work that promises to delve deeper into the heart of his evolution, from a boy with dreams to a man with a mission. The EP will fuse smooth Afrobeat rhythms with street-hardened narratives and uplifting messages that speak directly to a generation navigating adversity.

For Imalianboy, fame is not the finish line. “I want my music to move people, to let someone out there know that no matter how tough things are, you can rise. You can create your own miraculous way.”

As the Afrobeats wave continues to crash across global shores, artists like Imalianboy are ensuring the genre remains not just a sound but a statement. And with “Ona Ara” lighting the path, his message is clear: from humble beginnings, grace is not just possible, it’s inevitable.